Funding in the Forge

By Marcus Fitzsimmons The Pigeon Forge City Commission met Monday afternoon and approved several spending projects, some ahead of schedule. Pigeon Forge Police got approval for the purchase of a new cruiser. Originally budgeted as an unmarked vehicle, the pressing need for another marked unit forced the change in procurement. Public Works asked to go ahead and purchase some vital equipment, a sludge collection system and a telemetry computer. Originally on the table as budget items for next year, the items were approved for purchase now with remaining water plant bond money. The computer is being expanded to handle the new stations at Laurel Crest and Pine Mountain, which were not on-line when the original bid was sent out. In the future, new developments will pay for the additions to the computer as well as the physical structures. The Old Mill Area will be getting two more raised crosswalks. The flattened, speed-bump-style crosswalks have been deemed a success by Mark Miller at Public Works, “Not only is traffic slowing down as it was intended to do, but people go to those cross walks and use them, where before they would cross wherever in that congested area and cause safety concerns.” Four flush-level crosswalks will also be installed at the four way stop in the area. They will not be raised as vehicles are already stopping at the intersection.